10 days ago my mother went to heaven.
Reflections, memories, Sept 22 celebration of her life
Life After Death
2 things are certain about every human - birth and death.
Life BEFORE death is limited. Life AFTER death is forever.
David’s Book - How To Get To Heaven
Heaven is not the only thing about life after death. There’s MUCH more.
My parents
Taught much about life before death. Quality of life before death is leveraged on knowing about life after death.
Songs and Scriptures
Pic
Heaven
Since childhood I've heard of a Heaven.
I wondered if it could be true,
that there are bright mansions eternal,
somewhere beyond the blue.
I pondered could people really go there,
till one day sweet Jesus came in,
mine eyes caught a vision of glory,
my soul with all Heaven did bless.
chorus:
Heaven________________Heaven
happy home above, land of peace and love,
Oh, it makes me feel like traveling on to
Heaven________________Heaven
eternal supernal,
Oh, I’m so glad that it's real.
II.
Now I've got acquainted with Jesus, my soul's overflowing with love,
My heart like the saviour's is broken, for sinners who miss that home above.
There's a cry from the hills of old Judea, still singing out it's sweet songs of peace. This world's base attractions don't thrill me, my soul from sins chains have been released.
III.
Someday the gates of Heaven will swing open, the redeemed of all ages will sing.
The throne of God sending bright rays of glory, on the mansions prepared for you and me.
The tree of life standing by the crystal river. sainted millions saved by God's redeeming grace, with all other love ones gone before us.
Oh,won't Heaven be a happy place.
2 things are certain about every human - birth and death.
The only exception to dying are the believers in Jesus who go up to heaven in the rapture. They don’t die.
The Rapture is Part A of Jesus coming back. He comes in the air above the earth
Part B of Jesus coming back is when He comes back to this earth. Everyone will see Him. Every knee will bow.
So until the Rapture happens, people (even believers will continue to die)
“And now, observe, I perceive that all of you, among whom I have gone in and out proclaiming the kingdom, will see my face no more.
…I never shrank or kept back or fell short from declaring to you the whole purpose and plan and counsel of God.”
Acts 20:25, 27 AMPC
Scripture Memory verses
I Thessalonians 4:13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. (NKJV)
1 Th. 4:13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.
1 Th. 4:14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
1 Th. 4:15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.
1 Th. 4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves.
1 Th. 4:17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.
1 Th. 4:18 So encourage each other with these words. (NLT)
1 Corinthians 13:12 For NOW we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but THEN [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! NOW I know in part (imperfectly), but THEN I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God].” (AMPC)
In this verse the Apostle Paul emphasises the superiority of the THEN over the NOW. Just think of it - we will be in the THEN. We will be seeing face to face - clearly and perfectly! We will be known as our Father has known us.
Our perspective of the THEN will help us through the challenges we face NOW.
A life that is not anchored to anything ends up nowhere or anywhere.
Knowledge of the Bible, stories, etc.
Words that help you have victory in your life.
Better - A life that is anchored or rooted in Jesus as salvation and His work of redemption work
Happy, see the most, do the most, fun, amass wealth, Words from your dad:
Best - A life that is secured to knowing you will see Jesus again and that NOW prepares us for THEN
Ferry across river Rope in blizzards
When we look forward to the THEN, it influences, even alters what we are doing NOW.
Our perspective of the THEN will change our priorities of the NOW, and clarify our purpose of the NOW.
PIC - END of DAYS UPDATE
Additional Verses
2 Timothy 4:6-8 Paul’s Valedictory
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
From our Lord Jesus that Great Shepherd of His sheep John 14:1-4
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My
Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.”
“Praise God for the reality of Heaven and for His peace that passes understanding, His grace that is sufficient , His love that is unending, His mercy that is new every morning, His compassion that fails not, His comfort that is yours and for His faithfulness to all generations! Heaven is sweeter and Jesus, your blessed hope. His joy is your strength!”